The inaugural World Meditation Day, led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and organized by the Art of Living Foundation, achieved a historic feat, breaking six world records.
This monumental event brought together millions of individuals from over 180 countries, uniting them in a shared pursuit of inner peace and global harmony. Through the power of meditation, the event highlighted humanity’s collective capacity to transcend boundaries and achieve profound unity.
A Global Milestone in Meditation
World Meditation Day marked an extraordinary celebration, beginning with a prestigious event at the United Nations and culminating atop the World Trade Center in New York, where Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led the concluding session. Participants from every corner of the world tuned in, joining virtually and in person to engage in guided meditation sessions.
The achievements were unprecedented:
- The Guinness World Records recognized the event for having the most viewers of a guided meditation livestream on YouTube.
- The Asia Book of Records acknowledged the event for maximum participation across Indian states and the highest number of nationalities participating in a single guided meditation session in a day.
- The World Records Union documented records for the most views of an online guided meditation within 24 hours, the most live viewers for a single session, and the most nationalities participating in an online meditation session.
These records reflect the remarkable global appeal and transformative potential of meditation, as championed by the Art of Living Foundation.
The Transformative Power of Meditation
In his live address, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar shared profound insights into the essence of meditation, stating, “Meditation is the journey from knowing by thought to feeling what you know.
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To meditate, you need to first go from too much thinking to feeling what is, and then go beyond the feeling toward the inner space. Meditation makes you more dynamic and peaceful.”
These words resonated deeply with participants across diverse cultures and professions, inspiring them to embrace meditation as a tool for self-discovery and harmony.
व्यक्ति के विकास के बिना समाज का विकास असंभव है। दिल्ली के इंदिरा गाँधी स्टेडियम में "विकसित भारत" कार्यक्रम में देशहित के लिए सभी को चुनाव में भाग लेने का संकल्प दिलाया। चैत्र नवरात्रि के पावन पर्व के अवसर पर "Talking Ramayan" – बोलने वाली रामायण का विमोचन किया। pic.twitter.com/I1Yp2GjlTN
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@Gurudev) April 15, 2024
The event garnered significant participation from various sectors of society, including farmers, military personnel, caregivers, researchers, homemakers, indigenous communities, and even prison inmates. Educational institutions, including those for visually impaired children, also actively engaged in the event, emphasizing the universal accessibility and impact of meditation.
The participation of global leaders, celebrities, and professionals further amplified the event’s reach and significance, demonstrating that meditation transcends age, background, and social strata.
Uniting the World Through Inner Peace
The success of World Meditation Day underscores the power of collective action in fostering global unity and harmony. By bringing millions together in simultaneous meditation, the event created a ripple effect of peace and positivity, reaffirming the potential for meditation to address the challenges of modern life.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation have long advocated for meditation as a means of transforming individual and societal well-being. This event not only united people in a shared moment of peace but also inspired a global movement to prioritize inner peace as a foundation for a more harmonious world.

The records broken during this inaugural celebration are more than numerical achievements; they symbolize the growing recognition of meditation as a universal practice with profound benefits for individuals and communities alike.
By engaging millions in this historic endeavor, the Art of Living Foundation has set a new benchmark for global meditation events, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at fostering peace and understanding.
The first-ever World Meditation Day, led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has left an indelible mark on the world. With six world records and participation from millions across 180 countries, the event showcased the transformative power of meditation as a force for unity and harmony.
As the world continues to face challenges, the success of this historic gathering serves as a reminder of the immense potential for collective meditation to create a more peaceful and balanced future.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….